In my Come Have Fun in NC journal I mentioned the Pops in the Park. Every Sunday in June our resident symphony, the Charlotte Symphony, gives free concerts to the public. But if you don’t feel like driving out to South Park Mall and having to arrive very early in order to get a great seat, then the symphony may come to you. Every Friday and Saturday in June the company performs in towns near Charlotte. In this case I had to only go to Kannapolis to hear this wonderful group perform.
The show was held at the lovely Village Park Amphitheater, which is part of Village Park. The park offers guests the covered amphitheater, playground, splash pad, and walking trails. The symphony has been holding yearly concerts here in the summer for several years drawing large crowds.
Since this was the weekend before the 4th, the symphony performed a Stars & Stripes salute. The performance began at 7pm with John Troutman who played a medley of songs from the '50s to current times on the piano. After John’s wonderful performance there was a welcome by on of our local weathermen, Larry Sprinkle (with a name like that what else are you going to be?) and then Mayor Bob Misenhiemer. Norris Dearmon, a WW2 Air Force Vet, talked with the crowd about his experiences during war.
Finally at 8:15pm the symphony began. They started with Liberty Fanfare. From there they played patriotic tunes for over an hour. During the Armed Forces Salute vets from each branch were asked to stand during their division’s song. All received claps and cheers from the crowds. Of course what is patriotic music without Tchaikovsky’s larger than life 1812 Overture? The show ended with America the Beautiful and the crowd singing. Conductor, George Schram’s enthusiasm for this music was contagious. I have never seen a conductor work with such glee and fervor. The symphony received several rounds of standing ovations. Afterwards was a dazzling fireworks display put on by the parks and rec department. There were plenty of cheers, oohs, and ahhs and these brilliant lights blazed before us.
When I arrived at 6pm there was already quite a crowd. I made my way to the front with my book, captain’s chair, and Wendy’s meal. I opened my chair near the stage and discovered while the place was crowded only a handful of other people joined me near the front. Coolers are allowed inside the park. They do have a concession stand as well as other vendors with food and drink. There are restrooms and the park is ADA accessible. There is free parking. They also have off site parking with shuttle service. It said in the paper no dogs allowed, but saw plenty of people with them. There was a very nice overlook area with tables, but turns out it is reserved for employees of sponsoring companies.
The park sponsors a series of summer events for the whole family including concerts and movies in the park. If you are a beach music fan they hold an all day beach music festival. This year’s show is August 11 and features the Holiday Band, Coastline, Band of Gold, and Chairman of the Board.
In additional to patriotic tunes the symphony also perfumes classic selections and Broadway tunes during their other shows. The symphony is a full, professional symphony that has a full season each year in Charlotte. They present these summer shows as a way to thank the community for their support and to try to bring new fans to classical music. They hope to show that classical music is not just for snobby rich folks. Heck I have been going to the ballet, symphony, and Broadway since my late teens and I can assure you I am neither rich nor snobby. Having good taste in music and appreciating the classics costs nothing. The symphony does put on these shows for free. But please be generous and make a donation while there. It does cost money to offer these concerts.
For more information on Village Park and to find out about the upcoming season for the symphony you can go to:
www.ci.kannapolis.nc.us
www.charlottesymphony.org
The pops in the parks series have become one of the most anticipated events of the summer. So make sure you come here this amazing symphony perform under the stars and make sure you get here early.
Very highly recommended